Digital BW, The Print

on 3/29/02 8:40 PM, S. Colson wrote:

> Folks,
> 
> I am somewhat new to Photoshop but not totally.
> 
> Question: Does anyone make/sell a plug-in for Photoshop that acts like a
> "Variable Contrast" B&W enlarger head?

snip

> Sorry, but it is easier for me to think and work in these terms.

I recommend you start learning to think in digital terms because they are
more precise and therefor powerful than what we know from photography, even
the Zone System. Meaning try not to limit yourself by what you already know.

Download the Digizone chart to familiarize yourself with how digital values
relate to the Zone System:

www.riecks.com/digitalinfo.html

For grayscale work percentages (0-100%) are the values more commonly used,
while for RGB "pixel count" (0-255) are more common. However, you can set
your info pallet to show either or both measurement in either mode.

With curves you will have more tone control than 100 variable contrast
filters, and layer masks will give you shapes and control you couldn't get
with 100 hands and dodge tools. ;-)

Todd